Watch the First Trailer for 'Thor: The Dark World'

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Marvel's post-Avengers phase won't officially kick off until the premiere of Iron Man 3 this Friday, but that hasn't stopped the studio from unveiling a trailer for another of its uber-successful franchises. The first promotional clip for Thor: the Dark World appeared online earlier this week, and it strikes an ominous tone.

"Some believe that before the universe, there was nothing," says Anthony Hopkins, who portrays Odin, father of Thor, as shots of London flash across the screen. "They're wrong. There was darkness. And it has survived."

The short trailer promises higher stakes than the first Thor as well as more witty dialogue between two of Marvel's most interesting movie characters, Thor and Loki. The superhero action flick picks up where The Avengers left off, with Loki imprisoned for his attack on Earth. But even with Loki locked away, humans still aren't safe. An alien invasion threatens to completely obliterate mankind without help from our Asgardian brethren. Even Thor has something to lose as the villains realize his affections for Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). "What will you sacrifice for what you believe," asks villain Malekith toward the end of the preview. Will Jane survive the movie intact? Thor is forced to ask his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) for help defeating Malekith and his army. But can he be trusted?

The first movie in the series, released May 6, 2011, earned nearly half a billion dollars at the box office. Everyone is returning for the sequel except director Kenneth Branagh. The Dark World, which will premiere on Nov. 8, is directed by Alan Taylor.